The goal of this study is to examine what effect real-time feedback on particulate matter (PM) air pollution levels has on risk recognition and behavior. The hypothesis is that real-time exposure feedback will change perceptions of risk and increase behaviors that avoid exposure to environmental risks. At least one representative household member in participating households will complete a questionnaire to fully understand environmental concerns, risk perceptions, and related behaviors. Half of the households will have PM monitors that continuously display real-time concentrations and an indication of the hazard level. The other participants will have the same device but it will only display the date and time. All participants will then be surveyed again: (a) immediately after sampling is complete (i.e., when the devices are removed from the home), (b) after 3 months and, (c) after 6 months. The goal of repeated surveys is to determine changing understanding of risks, how participating in research and/or receiving real-time exposure data may have changed participant behavior, and what concerns they continue to have. The questionnaire will include questions with categorical and/or quantitative answers (e.g., frequency of specific behaviors) so that changes in risk perception and behavior can be effectively analyzed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Participants will receive real-time exposure monitors that continuously display real-time air concentration information and a color-coded designation for the current risk level.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Behaviors Related to Reduction in Exposure at Device Removal
Outcomes will be measured by units on a scale that describe how often (frequency) behaviors related to reduction in particulate matter exposure occur. Four (4) behaviors were evaluated for frequency of daily (score=1), weekly (score=2), monthly (score=3), yearly (score=4), never (score=5), and not applicable (score=0). These were summed for a final score. The possible score range was from 0 (none of the behaviors were applicable) to 20 (none of the behaviors were ever done). For example, if all four behaviors were done weekly the final score would be 2+2+2+2 = 8. The outcome measure was obtained before and after sampling. The reported outcome measure here is the change in the combined score. Positive change indicates increased frequency of exposure-reduction behaviors.
Time frame: From baseline to device removal, up to 3 months
Behaviors Related to Reduction in Exposure 1-3 Months After Device Removal
Outcomes will be measured by units on a scale that describe how often (frequency) behaviors related to reduction in particulate matter exposure occur. Four (4) behaviors were evaluated for frequency of daily (score=1), weekly (score=2), monthly (score=3), yearly (score=4), never (score=5), and not applicable (score=0). These were summed for a final score. The possible score range was from 0 (none of the behaviors were applicable) to 20 (none of the behaviors were ever done). For example, if all four behaviors were done weekly the final score would be 2+2+2+2 = 8. The outcome measure was obtained before and after sampling. The reported outcome measure here is the change in the combined score. Positive change indicates increased frequency of exposure-reduction behaviors.
Time frame: From baseline to 1-3 months after removal of device, up to 6 months
Behaviors Related to Reduction in Exposure 3-6 Months After Device Removal
Outcomes will be measured by units on a scale that describe how often (frequency) behaviors related to reduction in particulate matter exposure occur. Four (4) behaviors were evaluated for frequency of daily (score=1), weekly (score=2), monthly (score=3), yearly (score=4), never (score=5), and not applicable (score=0). These were summed for a final score. The possible score range was from 0 (none of the behaviors were applicable) to 20 (none of the behaviors were ever done). For example, if all four behaviors were done weekly the final score would be 2+2+2+2 = 8. The outcome measure was obtained before and after sampling. The reported outcome measure here is the change in the combined score. Positive change indicates increased frequency of exposure-reduction behaviors.
Time frame: From baseline to 3-6 months after removal of device, up to 9 months
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